History
Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies, formerly known as the Hotel and Restaurant Department, was founded in 1936 by John and Hilda Watson Gifford. It was the first two-year hospitality program in the country and the first emphasizing the culinary arts. The department was first located in the basement of San Francisco’s Galileo High School with only 12 students. In 1955, the department relocated to Smith Hall at the Ocean campus. In 1963, with financial assistance from the Statler Foundation, Statler Wing was built adjacent to Smith Hall and again expanded in 1973. The Educated Palate restaurant at the original Downtown Campus opened in 1982 and was completely renovated in 2005.
Faculty and Staff
City College of San Francisco’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies faculty includes men and women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who have both real-world experience and top-notch academic backgrounds. Industry experts currently working in the San Francisco Bay Area also offer courses and frequently serve as guest lecturers.
Alice Statler Library
The CAHS department is home to the Alice Statler Library, a specialized library dedicated to culinary arts and hospitality studies. Located at the Ocean campus, it has an extensive cookbook collection, an archive of notable titles and a collection of historical menus. In addition to supporting CCSF students studying culinary arts, hospitality, and other food-related topics, the library is also a resource for local chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and entrepreneurs in the industry.
Alice Statler Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry-level cooks’ pay range between $14 and $18 per hour. Assistant managers in restaurants and hotels generally begin around $30,000 to $40,000 per year. Other than in ownership or in corporate positions, the highest paid hospitality position is usually that of Hotel General Manager or Executive Chef, many of whom earn in excess of $100,000 per year. A very wide range of earnings is available between these extremes.
The degree programs will still take a minimum of four semesters to complete. However, your daily schedule will be shorter if you already have a degree. For instance, instead of attending classes 8 hours/day, you would have classes only 6 hours/day.
- DEGREE PROGRAMS: Most classes are held at the Department’s Statler Wing building, Smith Hall Cafeteria and Restaurants on Ocean Campus at City College of San Francisco.
- NONCREDIT PROGRAMS: All classes are held at the CCSF Downtown Center and Chinatown/North Beach Center.
DEGREE PROGRAMS: Most classes are held during the day with some evening classes required. The fourth semester requires a 20-25 hours per week internship. During each semester, you will also take both general education and CAHS academic courses.
NONCREDIT PROGRAM: The Culinary and Service Skills Training Program is held during the day, from 9-3 pm, Monday-Friday. The Baking and Pastry Program is held during the day, from 7-1pm, Monday-Friday. The Culinary Arts Basic Training Program is held during the day, from 9-3 pm, Monday-Friday.
Degree Programs and credit classes accept students for both the Fall and Spring Semester entrance. Fall Semester usually starts the third week of August and the Spring Semester starts the third week of January. Please refer to the Program Curriculum for more information on course requirements. Noncredit Programs and classes have open enrollment; students are generally accepted throughout the semester. Contact the Downtown Center Counseling Office at 415-267-6555 or Chinatown/North Beach Center Counseling Office at 415-395-8611 for more information.
DEGREE PROGRAMS:
- Complete CAHS Program Application online. You may also request an application by calling 415-239-3152 or drop by the office at 50 Frida Kahlo Way, Statler Wing, Room 156.
NONCREDIT PROGRAMS:
60+ units of prescribed studies are required to receive an Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts Management, Food Service Management, or Hotel Management from City College of San Francisco.
Tuition is free for San Francisco residents through Free City. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Call the Financial Aid Office at 415-239-3577.
Culinary Arts, Food Service and Hotel Management Programs: In addition to tuition/fees, additional costs include approximately $300 for knives/tools and about $200 for uniforms and work shoes. The cost of books varies, but is often $300+ each semester.
Culinary Service Skills Training Program, Baking and Pastry Program, and Culinary Arts Basic Training Program: Noncredit classes are free. There may be additional costs for uniforms and knives/tools.
